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Up North Lowdown, Ep. 25: The power of stillness

Top: The aurora borealis on display above Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church, in Williamsburg. The church, along U.S. 31 between Traverse City and Elk Rapids, has become a popular spot for aurora hunters. (Photo courtesy of Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church) Bottom left: The inside of the rotunda at the Michigan Capitol. (Photo: Lester Graham/Michigan Radio) Bottom right: AP reporter John Lesher is hanging up his notebook after a 42-year career with the news agency. (Photo: Ed Ronco/IPR News)
Top: The aurora borealis on display above Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church, in Williamsburg. The church, along U.S. 31 between Traverse City and Elk Rapids, has become a popular spot for aurora hunters. (Photo by Peggy Zinn, via Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church)
Bottom left: The inside of the rotunda at the Michigan Capitol. (Photo: Lester Graham/Michigan Radio)
Bottom right: AP reporter John Lesher is hanging up his notebook after a 42-year career with the news agency. (Photo: Ed Ronco/IPR News)

This week: Climate legislation, a retiring reporter, and a few moments with a local Orthodox priest whose church has become a popular destination for aurora hunters.

 Up North Lowdown - Interlochen Public Radio, NPR Network

The Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church sits along busy U.S. 31 between Traverse City and Elk Rapids.

On the night we visit, a small group of people is gathered around a fire pit behind the church. They were hoping to see the northern lights, but with too many clouds in the way, they've opted for chatting instead.

Making the church grounds welcoming to aurora hunters is important to Fr. Ciprian Streza, the parish priest since 2011. The church was, in part, designed to accommodate night sky viewers. We talk with him about the power of people coming together, and the benefits of what he calls "active stillness."

Plus, IPR and Grist.org climate solutions reporter Izzy Ross talks to us about major pieces of climate legislation on the docket in Lansing — and how the clock might be ticking on Democratic lawmakers to fulfill an ambitious agenda.

It's a busy week! Thanks for listening.

Ed Ronco is IPR's news director.
Max Copeland is the local weekday host of All Things Considered on Interlochen Public Radio and the producer of The Up North Lowdown, IPR’s weekly news podcast.